Clonidine and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Zac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 22, 2020

For Anxiety "A word of advice: do not take the full 0.1 mg clonidine pill. Most of the people here complaining about the medication making them drowsy and fatigued are likely sensitive to clonidine and are taking a much higher dose than they should. Chances are, your doctor will prescribe 0.1 mg since there is no lower dose for this med. If after taking the full 0.1 mg pill it makes you tired, cut it in half, if it still makes you tired, cut it into a quarter, and if it still does, cut it into an eighth. I recommend buying a pill cutter. When I first took it, I felt terrible at the full dose, but then I cut it like I just instructed and at an eighth of a 0.1 mg pill I felt way better. Anxiety almost completely gone and it worked even better than benzos. Plus, this med, unlike benzos, is not associated with any kind of brain damage or addiction."

• You...
• July 12, 2016

For Opiate Withdrawal "I was a trash can, to say the least. A normal day over a 4-year period consisted of 0.2 of dope, 4 pure 15mg oxys, 2 10mg methadone, a little coke, 2 10mg adderall. I should be dead. I checked into detox and was given 0.1mg clonidine and 1mg ativan 2 times a day for 3 days. I'm on day 7 now of detox and 4 days off clonidine. It's a wonderful drug. It doesn't take 100% of withdrawal away but at least 80% of withdrawal symptoms were kept at bay. The ativan makes you sleep through the majority of withdrawal. But on day 5, I felt better than I had in years! After day 4, it's a mind game of the fear of living without opioids, just stay busy and you'll pull through. Trust me, I never thought I'd pull through."

• Pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2014

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "Why does the medical community not widely suggest this medicine to women who are suffering from disabling hot flashes & not sleeping? I went to my gyn and I was told that my options were hormones, antidepressants or gabapentin. None of these were acceptable for me for various reasons. I went to my general dr who saw how serious my symptoms were and he prescribed this. I take 0.05 in the morning and 0.05 before bed. The first night I took it I slept like a baby (something I have not done for nearly a year) and I didn't have one single flash all night! I got past the dry mouth and drowsiness and now I have no side effects and I'm my old self again. This saved my sanity and gave me my life back!"

• Meg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2020

For Anxiety "This drug clonidine was a game changer for my anxiety. I love this drug - it helps me sleep, it calms me down from full-blown panic attacks (it takes about 20-30 minutes to do this). It helps with my ADHD because it calms down my body and lets me focus. I can't take benzos, so it has been really helpful. It takes a while before it stops making you drowsy. I only take half a tab if I'm super anxious during the day. I only take full tabs if I'm having a panic attack or going to bed. WARNING: DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS DRUG COLD TURKEY. I had horrendous withdrawals. I stopped cold after 3 years and was shaking and tremoring, did not sleep for a week, and had severe panic attacks all day every day."

• rdf...
• January 26, 2013

For Opiate Withdrawal "I have been addicted to opiates for over 10 years, and I have been through many horrible withdrawals. After spending over $150 per day, I had had enough. I decided to get on Suboxone. I was prescribed 8mgs per day, and this went on for over a year when my doc suddenly shut his practice. I decided this is the time for me to get off. Well I found myself in the ER and the doctor prescribed 0.1 mg of clonidine. It was a GODSEND! It helped so much with the chills, sweats, crying, etc. It does make you very drowsy but it makes the detox tolerable. I was able to sleep and eat during the detox while taking Clonidine. I also used Xanax at night to help with sleep. Clonidine helps big time!"

• kbk...
• October 11, 2014

Clonidine for Anxiety "I have severe anxiety and had horrible side effects from benzodiazepines. This medication has been very helpful. I am taking 0.2 mg twice daily. Started with 0.1 mg. I recommend slowly increasing your dosage because it tends to make you drowsy until you get used to it."

• Ann...
• December 10, 2020

For Anxiety "My doctor prescribed 0.1 mg (smallest dose) for anxiety, irritability, and anger. It was just what I needed, although I had to cut in half as the full dose was a bit too sedating. It really mellowed me out and helped me relax. Way better than the benzo I have been resorting to. I wish I had discovered this medication sooner as I have been suffering for a long time. I recommend starting with 1/2 and even 1/4 to see how you feel. You'll need a pill cutter. Best of luck!"

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2013

For Opiate Withdrawal "Pretty much minimized side effects of withdrawal/rapid tapering from Percocet/Oxycodone. I'd forgotten to call in a prescription renewal before and went through a weekend of hell. Clonidine cut back sweats, chills, body aches, restless legs - everything from withdrawal by a good 90%. Still some rough spots I went through, but I could function. Two bad side effects for me from Clonidine - cotton dry mouth, drowsiness like a fog. Better than alternative of nothing!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2012

Clonidine for ADHD "My 9-year-old son has ADHD. Kapvay was the seventh medicine that we have tried to help him with impulsivity and concentration. He has been on this medicine for nearly one year. We switched to Focalin last month, but the tics came back and the restlessness at night. His school performance was no better than before, so we are back to Kapvay. Since the medicine must build up in the bloodstream to be highly effective, we are in the very sleepy stages, but I know this will pass as soon as his body is accustomed to the medicine. I have learned my lesson. There is no stimulant that will help my son. Kapvay will help reduce the impulsivity, but improvement to concentration must come from age and proper training."

• Mis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 5, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Sharing my experience with clonidine for one reason, I had uncontrollable high blood pressure that no other blood pressure medicines could bring down. The doctor then tried me on Clonidine. It took about 20-30 minutes to start working but it saved my life. The bad effects from clonidine that I've found, it makes me sleepy often and sometimes gives me cotton mouth. Either way, I'm still alive! Also, clonidine is very affordable."

• Ron...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 29, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Clonidine will lower your blood pressure when nothing else works, but once you've been on it a few years (I've been on 0.3mg twice a day for almost 12 years since I was 27), you will be stuck with it. If I miss a dose, my blood pressure can easily rise to 240/130, so use it only as a last resort after trying other meds. I have had a blood pressure problem since my early 20s and tried many other meds first, two of which I'm still on in conjunction with clonidine. The main side effects are dry mouth, sedation, and also postural hypotension (feeling faint when you stand up). These effects will mostly go away after a few weeks. It's extremely powerful, so try all the others first. Like I said, it does the job, but the rebound hypertensive effect of missing a dose will make you feel like garbage and is deadly."

• AlP...
• July 6, 2016

For Anxiety "Started taking clonidine BID for severe anxiety (GAD, PTSD, PD), in conjunction with my benzos (PRN). I have tried almost everything else on the market and this was the first time I was really impressed with the effects. The first week and a half, I appreciated the intense drowsiness, but I powered through because I physically felt relief from my racing heart. Surely, this medicine isn't for everyone, but it sure helps me."

• Bec...
• January 20, 2015

For Opiate Withdrawal "I went on treatment for opiate addiction in December of last year. While there, I was encouraged by many other opiate addicts to begin a long-term Suboxone treatment plan, as I had been an active user for almost ten years. After two weeks of being on Suboxone, I knew it wasn't right for me. So the nursing staff and I came up with a plan of action! Clonidine has been an absolute godsend for me. Not only does it help tremendously for withdrawal symptoms, but it has also been incredible in combating my cravings and anxiety since getting out of treatment. Since it is a blood pressure medication, it can have some downfalls. Dizziness and drowsiness. I take 1 mg, twice daily. If I eat, drink water, and stay active, I'm fine!"

• Tip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2020

For Insomnia, Stimulant-Associated "I have had insomnia in such a severe degree, it could not be worse. For nearly a decade, I was only able to get 10-12 hours of sleep every 7 days. There's not a sleep remedy the doctors haven't thrown at me (unsuccessfully). If I take 2-3 clonidine tabs, I sleep like a baby. I've recently discovered this. A little morning grogginess, but I'll take it. It's been awesome the last week getting some sleep! Thank you Lord!"

• Aud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2013

Clonidine for High Blood Pressure "This is a very effective medication but with extreme side effects. It is very short-lived and requires dividing the prescribed dosage into 3 times a day to avoid blood pressure spikes. It leaves you feeling 'high' and sedated. Absolutely do not discontinue it abruptly. Stopping it abruptly causes your blood pressure to rebound even higher than it was before for several days. A better choice in this class is Guanfacine, which for me is even more effective and does not have the radical side effects."

• Min...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2014

For Opiate Withdrawal "Been on 0.1mg three times a day for 10 days now and it has made a HUGE difference in my detox from heroin, oxycodone, and hydromorphone. Almost completely eliminated the agitation and restlessness, which has always been my personal least favourite symptom of opiate withdrawal. I highly recommend anyone suffering from an addiction akin to mine to talk to a doctor about getting on it. I finally let my family doctor know about my 3 years of on and off use of various opiates, and it was his first suggestion. I am also on propranolol and amitriptyline, which I started at the same time as the clonidine. The only downsides I have experienced are a certain degree of daytime drowsiness and blood pressure drops upon standing up after lying down."

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 24, 2016

For Anxiety "Clonidine is excellent for performance and social anxiety. But I think it's crucial to get the dosage just right for your body weight & metabolism, so that one doesn't get unnecessarily sedated or have dry mouth. I only use clonidine every now & a blue moon (i.e., rarely), often before a situation or event where I'll need extraordinary patience. I take just 0.1 mg. for this purpose. It prevents nervous tremors of the hand, restlessness and sweating."

• Vel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I struggle to find anything to help my BP as well, and have tried everything. Always so sensitive and have side effects that drastically affect my life. I tried this, and it helped at first. If you only took it once at bedtime, it might be okay, but I took it 2X like they said and fell asleep in meetings and at my desk. I could not function and took the first one right away since it was really high. I could barely drive back to work, then had to rest my head. It was awful. I have a job calling on customers and was not functional at all. Praying for a better option."

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2012

Clonidine for ADHD "My 7-year-old daughter has been on Concerta 18mg for a year. She started to tolerate that medicine, but I did not want to increase the dosage. My doctor recommended we add Kapvay to her current Concerta dose. This has made all the difference. She is no longer bouncing off the walls, jumping on the couch, or leaving halfway through a meal. She is engaged, focused, and less moody. Her emotions are more regulated, and we did not tell her teacher, but she even commented on the change without us sharing the news. We are so happy, and this medicine is worth the time it takes to condition to the sleepiness that happens in the initial 2 weeks. Hope the changes stay."

• NoM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2012

Clonidine for Opiate Withdrawal "Works very well, it will make me very sleepy and takes away restless legs syndrome, sweats, and nausea. After stopping any opiate and before taking Suboxone, you need to go through withdrawal before the Suboxone will work and taking clonidine will ease the withdrawal symptoms. It will not take them away completely but it will make it a million times easier than without anything. When trying to get off Suboxone, taking clonidine in between doses of Suboxone will really really help. Tapering off Suboxone takes a long time and needs to be taken very slowly or withdrawals will last for weeks. There are several other medications that will help in conjunction with clonidine, just ask your doctor."

• Dee...
• September 18, 2020

For Anxiety "I absolutely definitely do not like this medicine, clonidine. I’m tired throughout the whole entire day once I have taken it. I feel so drowsy, sleepy, my anxiety has been going crazy. I can’t get anything done throughout my day because I’m sleeping all day. I feel like my mind is out of space. I am not myself when taking this med. I WANT OFF OF IT NOW."

• Onl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 28, 2017

For Opiate Withdrawal "I was prescribed clonidine for my blood pressure. I was also prescribed 10 mg Norco for female issues. I became addicted to Norco for almost 5 years when I said enough is enough. I had read about clonidine being used with opiate withdrawal, so I gave it a shot, and boy, I have had zero withdrawal symptoms. Unlike before, where I always ended up using again, I'm on day three. I slept well, I'm up having coffee, which I haven't done in a long time - I can't even remember. It made me drowsy the first few days. I was able to lower the dose and haven't taken a dose in the last 12 hours, and I feel fine. If you have the opportunity, please use clonidine. I swear it works."

• Syb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I switched to clonidine from amlodipine for various complicated reasons. It has been horrible. I've been on it for about 10 days -- I can barely stay awake during the day, I'm constipated, and it doesn't even lower my blood pressure (I'm taking 0.1 mg, twice a day). I'm stopping it as of today and going back to amlodipine, which kept my blood pressure under control. This is a horrible drug."

• Neu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2013

Clonidine for Hypertensive Emergency "All I can say is THANK GOD for clonidine (Catapres). I'm just taking the pill form 0.2 mg, and within 20-30 minutes my blood pressure goes from about 172/105 to around 115-125/75-80. Only side effects I get are a little bit of dry mouth and some drowsiness. That beats the heck out of a stroke or MI, in my opinion. By the way, I'm 6'2'' and about 190 pounds. First med the doctors have found that actually WORKS without nasty side effects. I hope your results with it are as positive as mine. Ciao."

• Cla...
• December 25, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking clonidine for over ten years. I was diagnosed with hypertension at a young age and also struggle with PTSD, nightmares, anxiety, and insomnia. This medicine is so helpful to me in many ways. It helps me sleep, it eases anxiety, and controls my blood pressure very well. I still have to take my full dose (0.04 mg) at night, or else I get too sleepy taking half in the morning. The only complaint I have is withdrawal is very unpleasant if I miss even one dose. Always have it with you in case you can't get home because it can make your blood pressure spike and make you very jumpy and anxious."